[Henry VIII. by A. F. Pollard]@TWC D-Link book
Henry VIII.

CHAPTER VI
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160) Suffolk crossed to Calais with an army, "the largest which has passed out of this realm for a hundred years".[453] Henry and Suffolk wanted it to besiege Boulogne, which might have been some tangible result in English hands.[454] But the King was persuaded by Wolsey and his imperial allies to forgo this scheme, and to order Suffolk to march into the heart of France.

Suffolk was not a great general, but he conducted the invasion with no little skill, and desired to conduct it with unwonted humanity.

He wished to win the French by abstaining from pillage and proclaiming liberty, but Henry thought only the hope of plunder would keep the army together.[455] Waiting for the imperial contingent under De Buren, Suffolk did not leave Calais till 19th September.

He advanced by Bray, Roye and Montdidier, capturing all the towns that offered resistance.

Early in November, he reached the Oise at a point less than forty miles from the French capital.[456] But Bourbon's treason had been discovered; instead of joining Suffolk with a large force, he was a fugitive from his country.


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